From Special Reports
Training Squadron Nine said farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kochanski on Friday morning during a change of command ceremony.
Commander Anthony Wright was welcomed as the squadron's new commanding officer.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Col. Wilbert Thomas, USMC, who is commanding officer of Marine Aviation Training Support Group-21.
Under Kochanski's leadership, VT-9 amassed more than 15,185 sorties and more than 17,897 training flight hours in the T-45C Goshawk. The squadron designated 75 new naval aviators, completed training for one international student, and produced 15 instructor pilots. His creative problem solving resulted in the safe and successful completion of more than 1,300 sorties through weekend flying out of outlying military and civilian airfields. While averaging only 80 percent of authorized instructor manning, Kochanski adroitly managed both the active duty and reserve component to achieve desired production goals and dramatically increased Selective Reserve production from 29 percent to nearly 35 percent.
Wright, an F/A-18C Hornet pilot, completed multiple at-sea periods and one Operation Southern Watch (OSW) deployment while assigned to VFA-195 “Dambusters,” and left Japan in August 1997 as a Wing Qualified Landing Signal Officer and Strike Lead.
He then graduated from Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and joined the “Outlaws” of Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor, teaching courses in advanced strike fighter tactics.
In January of 2000, Wright returned to Japan and joined the “Argonauts” of VFA-147 (2002 Battle E Winners) as the Training Officer. Following an OSW deployment and turnaround, he stayed on for his Department Head tour. Wright was the Operations Officer for the Argo’s 2001-2 Operation Enduring Freedom deployment, Maintenance Officer for the 2003 Western Pacific deployment and Safety Officer during the seven-month turnaround between those cruises.
In August of 2003, Wright was selected for the Washington, D.C., Internship Program. He graduated first in his class from George Washington University earning a Master’s in Organizational Management. He also enjoyed six-month tours with OPNAV, Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff. He next reported to Director, Air Warfare, OPNAV N78 as the Air to Ground Weapons Requirements Officer in June of 2005. While there he earned a Level II certification in Program Management from the Defense Acquisition University.
In October of 2007, Wright joined the “Tigers” of Training Squadron Nine as the Executive Officer. In his spare time he earned a second Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Commander Wright’s awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Strike Flight Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, three Naval Achievement Medals and seven Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. He has 3,200 hours and 700 traps. His favorite job thus far in his career has been the Maintenance Officer of VFA-147. His favorite flight was a head to head mock engagement against a German MiG-29 flown by a USAF Weapons School Grad on an exchange tour.
Kochanski’s next duty assignment will be assigned as Current Ops at Patch Barracks, Headquarters, United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
Local News
NAS Meridian welcomes in new squadron commander
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
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Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
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